Best Hypnotherapy Techniques

February 14, 2023

You might think that hypnotherapy is all about spinning spirals and feeling very sleepy. But there’s actually much more science behind it than you might think.

Hypnotherapy has its foundations in psychotherapy and neuroscience, and it’s been practised to great success since the late 19th century. Today, it’s used by people from all walks of life to help them improve their lifestyle and mental wellbeing: this means there are plentiful opportunities for hypnotherapists to offer treatments and establish successful, profitable businesses.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the basics of hypnotherapy, including how it works, the main types of treatment, and what to remember if setting up a hypnotherapy business.

What is hypnotherapy and how does it work?

First of all, it’s important to make clear that hypnotherapy is not a kind of mind control, despite what you might have seen on TV or in films over the years. Instead, it aims to get the mind into a more relaxed state, by taking it out of consciousness, so that it’s more open to new thoughts and ideas.

A hypnotherapist uses proven techniques to move the mind into an unconscious state that is only slightly above that of sleep. As a result, the mind is controlled by theta brain waves that can receive different thoughts, and not be constrained by the conscious mind finding reasons to close off those thoughts. It’s for this reason that hypnotherapy can be so effective and fast-acting for people who want to make changes in their life, from curing themselves of a phobia to giving up smoking.

How effective can hypnotherapy be?

The effectiveness of hypnotherapy naturally varies from person to person, depending on how their individual minds work and which types of hypnotherapy are most effective for them (more on those below).

However, when it works, the results can be astonishing. When people are trying to get into a new habit, or give up a bad one, it can take weeks or months for them to bake those changes into their minds, if indeed they ever manage it. Hypnotherapy, at its most effective, can almost be like flicking a switch, helping them embrace those changes in a matter of hours.

The speed of the change makes it a highly accessible and affordable means of therapy, especially for those who might not be able to afford long and expensive courses of psychotherapy or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

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Which are the most popular hypnotherapy techniques?

There are many different hypnotherapy techniques in use around the world, some of which are more well-known than others. But in the main, these six are the most common that people considering treatment are most likely to be looking for:

Suggestion hypnosis: perhaps the most common type, to the point of it often being called ‘traditional’ hypnosis, this is where hypnotherapists make suggestions to patients that encourage them to make changes in their lives. These suggestions don’t have to be dictated by the therapist: they can be mutually agreed before the treatment starts
Ericksonian hypnotherapy: this is more or less the opposite of suggestion hypnosis, where clients gradually reach a state of hypnosis over the course of a conversation. Clients play a much more active role in their treatment as they reach the intended mental state with the help of their therapist
Regression hypnotherapy: this type is perhaps closest to what people would consider psychiatry. In their hypnotic state, clients are encouraged to recall any memories from their past that may be causing the problem they want to solve, and apply new information to resolve the issue
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP): these techniques don’t involve bringing the client into any sort of hypnotic state – instead, the conversational principles of Ericksonian hypnotherapy are applied to people at any time and in any place. NLP has gained particular traction among business leaders to help them succeed
Self-hypnosis: while it is possible for people to hypnotise themselves, it can be extremely difficult to achieve, even for experienced professional hypnotherapists. Those capable of doing so can apply it at any time in their lives, to help them resolve any problems that might come their way
Primers: this is the name given to hypnosis delivered through pre-recorded audio. Previously, this would have been on cassettes or CDs, but technology now makes it much easier to deliver these treatments to clients digitally. They are generally the cheapest and most accessible means of trying hypnotherapy, and so are ideal for those new to the concept

Which hypnotherapy techniques are best?

There’s no simple answer to this question, as it will vary so much for both parties. As mentioned above, some people will be far more receptive to some types of hypnotherapy than others. Additionally, from a business perspective, you may find that certain types are more popular (and therefore more profitable) with customers in your local area.

So the best way to proceed as a hypnotherapist is not to put all your eggs in one basket. Often, a combination of multiple types of hypnotherapy can generate better results, while being able to deliver many different types broadens your potential customer base as wide as possible. That’s why it’s important to get trained and qualified in as many techniques as you can, and brush up on your knowledge and expertise on a regular basis.

Get hypnotherapist insurance with Protectivity

Hypnotherapy is not without its risks, and it’s always possible that treatment can have unintended consequences that may cause patients to get hurt, even if you’re highly trained and qualified. If you’re running a hypnotherapy business, this can leave you vulnerable to a claim that can have severe ramifications from a financial perspective. This is why, just like any other type of therapy enterprise, it’s absolutely essential to have comprehensive insurance cover in place.

Protectivity is one of the only insurers in the UK that offers specific hypnotherapy insurance cover. Our policies can include public liability cover of up to £5 million, in case your treatment or advice leads to accident or injury, as well as professional indemnity, and optional equipment cover of up to £3000. That way, you can treat people with any type of hypnotherapy with confidence, and give yourself peace of mind.

Take a more detailed look at everything our hypnotherapy insurance has to offer here.

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